Editorial: Thumbs up, Thumbs down

Friday

Mar 31, 2017 at 6:16 PMMar 31, 2017 at 6:16 PM

Thumbs up to state, local and private parties involved in bringing a proposed aquarium to Pocono Summit. The cooperative effort will lead to development of a major attraction that would be the first of its kind for the Poconos. “This doesn’t happen without the cooperation of the supervisors in (Tobyhanna Township),” said State Senator Mario Scavello (R-40). “(The supervisors) and a couple of other people from the township have been very active in looking to create economic development.” Township Manager John Jablowski said, “It’s a really great partnership. This is what happens when government works together.”

Thumbs down to the lack of interested candidates running for the East Stroudsburg school board. Four seats open up this year. Two of those belong to the current board president and vice president. Neither is running for reelection. So far, just four candidates have been nominated by petition. Those names will appear on primary ballots in May, but the remaining seat will require a write-in candidate. If no candidate wins by write-in, the board will have to appoint someone to the position. State law requires school boards have nine members to maintain a majority.

Thumbs up to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for compromising on its plans to completely eliminate the intersection of Route 209 and Shafers Schoolhouse Road. PennDOT announced plans this week to eliminate the dangerous intersection’s traffic signal while still allowing right turns. For years, the public has stressed the importance of the intersection access, and PennDOT’s decision reflects a need to improve safety while hearing the needs of its motorists.

Thumbs down to the growing disparage of residents calling foul on the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s regulation on the Milford star and cross’s placement on the Knob. The National Park Service has been simply been enforcing its own regulation on property it has owned since 2015. NPS is meeting with local officials on the matter of the star and cross — when it doesn't have to. It’s far too early in development for residents to put blame on the NPS for changes to this beloved tradition, and there may be hope still that the symbol would remain on the cliffside. It has already been promised that the star and cross will continue, whether it’s on the Knob or not, by the local Lions Club.

—The Pocono Record presents the thumbs up column on Saturdays to highlight the good and the bad in recent news. We welcome suggestions, reserving the right to choose those we feel best reflect worthy effort and those that still need work. Send ideas to: letters@poconorecord.com.